2007 Lexus RX Owner Complaints

I am reporting a serious and potentially dangerous braking issue with my 2007 Lexus RX400h. The vehicle currently has approximately 126,296 miles. While driving, the vehicle emits a continuous and intermittent warning beeping sound. At the same time, the braking system becomes unreliable. The brake pedal becomes extremely difficult to press, requiring excessive force, and the vehicle does not respond consistently when braking. In addition, there are instances where the vehicle appears to brake unpredictably or inconsistently, which creates a significant safety hazard for myself, passengers, and other drivers on the road. Based on my research, this issue appears to be related to a known defect involving the ABS brake actuator assembly. Lexus previously issued a warranty enhancement program for this component due to internal malfunctions that affect brake pressure and system performance. However, this issue was not issued as a formal recall tied to VIN eligibility. Despite my vehicle being under 150,000 miles, I have been informed that I may be outside the time-based warranty window, and no active recall is listed for my VIN. This defect directly impacts the braking system, which is a critical safety component. Failures in the brake actuator can lead to improper brake pressure, reduced stopping ability, and increased risk of a crash. Given the safety implications and known history of this defect, I believe this issue warrants further investigation and potential recall consideration. I am submitting this complaint to request that the NHTSA review this matter for safety risk and determine whether broader action is necessary to protect consumers.

NHTSA ID

11732484

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

The flor board keeps getting in the way of my petals.

NHTSA ID

11694403

Incident

Mar 6, 2025

Put key into ignition port and heard and felt a klunk. Key was then freely moving and connecting to nothing inside the ignition chamber. So vehicle would not turn over at all. Had towed to town closer to home. And Currently having towed to mechanic shop for further evaluation. The only symptom the car was having previously was a mysterious scratching sound coming from what sounded like the right side of the hood near the firewall. Took to mechanic and he drove the car and heard the sound but could not pin point it, said nothing was scrubbing the fan or anything else he could see. And to bring it back if it got worse. Never did we think it was the starter nor the ignition chamber. The only way to know now....is to replace it and see if that noise is still there. There were no other warnings. The danger in this is being stranded. Still needs to be evaluated by mechanic.

NHTSA ID

11648978

Incident

Mar 14, 2025

I saw on the internet while I was looking for new mats this year my Lexus RX 350, 2007, vin [XXX] was recalled for the dashboard until May 2017. During 2013 through 2018; my husband left me for my friend; both my sons were shot in different cities; one in Nashville, and one in Denver Colorado. The one in Nashville, was shot 10 times by his roommate who forgot he had a roommate. Fortunately, he turned around so his laptop in his backpack got the bullet which would have killed him. He was left with a dominant disabled arm. He had just come back from Las Vegas working with Jason Aldean as a cameraman and saw the bloody massacre from the shooters. My oldest lives in Denver. He was shot and killed by the police on a domestic call. They overreacted. My ex-husband would not let me come to the funeral or visit the son in Nashville when he was hurt. I was not able to focus on anything else during that time. When I saw the recall on the Internet this year, I called and requested a reprieve. I was turned down. I wrote a letter to Lexus. Again I was turned down. I am [XXX] and [XXX]. I’m still driving my Lexus 2007 and plan to the rest of my life. I didn’t see the mail about the recall of my dashboard, nor anything else for several years. I only have about 94,000 miles on it. Most of my friends want to drive in my car instead of their new ones. When I saw the recall on the Internet this year, I called and requested a reprieve. I was turned down. I wrote a letter to Lexus. Again I was turned down. I plead with you to extend the time and allow me to replace my dashboard on the recall. Thank you for listening, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11633730

Incident

Jul 17, 2015

Hydraulic brake booster pump abs actuator has been on a service bulletin around 2015 with a definitive timetable. I have had numerous notifications with warning lights that are indicative of the booster pump failure for more than 10 years and every time I bring it to the Lexus dealer they said it is my battery. They replace the battery and reset the computer and it repeats itself over and over. My main concern as this should have been a recall and not a service bulletin; an abs brake failure is a significant defect with possible fatal outcome. The problem has been well documented with numerous Lexus and Toyota customers hybrid vehicles going back to 2005. My vehicle is 2007 Lexus RX 400h with 78,000 miles. I am afraid to drive the vehicle with the issue unresolved.

NHTSA ID

11631833

Incident

Oct 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to smoke. The contact pulled over and became aware that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a service center and the contact was informed that the engine cooler hose had ruptured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11585738

Incident

Apr 25, 2024

Mileage

99,000 mi

The contract owns a 2007 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, there was a fuel odor detected in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and dealers. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that a plastic box above the muffler had melted from the heat of the muffler, causing fuel to leak onto the muffler. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not drivable as the fuel source was above the muffler and the vehicle could catch on fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently since purchasing the vehicle in 2007. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11574870

Incident

Mar 6, 2007

Pass

NHTSA ID

11562196

Incident

Nov 11, 2023

Oil Cooling line failed when driving. I was not aware that it was having an issue; the oil completely cleared the engine, and this could have seized the engine while I was driving. The only way I figured it out, I stopped the car at some point and saw a pool of oil under the car. I called AAA and they came to tow the car, and checked the engine, and told me that there was no oil in the engine.

NHTSA ID

11552404

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

The cable holding the spare tire up underneath the car snapped while I was at a stop light, resulting in my tire and it's cover falling onto the road

NHTSA ID

11545933

Incident

Aug 8, 2023

The dash board is crumbling and falling apart in a way that makes me feel that the front passenger airbag compartment has been effected and may not function properly.

NHTSA ID

11491098

Incident

Oct 27, 2022

Electrical system malfunction began (to my best calculation & recollection) in summer 2021 with the first of four battery malfunctions in one year. Each time, AAA discovered low battery response and recommended battery replacement. This time around, battery was replaced about two weeks prior, due to battery failure/AAA reporting would not accept charge. THE NEW BATTERY FAILED (8/3) and the starter broke while attempting to charge. Mechanic repaired starter and battery accepted the charge. No problem, right? Wrong. This driver drove about 30 miles and while driving, the electrical system shut down altogether. With I believe ALL WARNING LIGHTS LIGHTING UP, extremely dangerous situation. NO BREAKING, NO STEERING, NO WARNING. Fortunately, it occurred in a suburban residential area as opposed to the highway. SECOND tow to my mechanic and now, after a full week, no diagnosis, though the car has been running in the shop. This is an intermittent problem. I suspect the alternator.

NHTSA ID

11479110

Incident

Aug 6, 2022

On November 19, 2021, I purchased a vehicle from cars Lane on Hanover Road in Annapolis Maryland. Upon driving back to my residence in Gaithersburg I noticed that there was significant shaking when the vehicle was driven over 60 miles an hour. I notified the dealership and seemed helpful at first. I took the car to a good year facility and pay to have an alignment. That seem to fix one of the issues however there were several more and many more I was later to find out. As well, the vehicle was also hard to steer when it came to trying to back up and turn the steering wheel. It also made a loud whining noise. I contacted the dealership again and told them of this problem. I have been out to the dealership several times upon realizing they do not have a mechanic on duty and whoever passed inspection on this car should be investigated. There is no way that this car should've passed inspection. The last time I went to the dealership upon talking with the owner I was told to bring the car in and they would take a look at it. Looking at it was all they did. I noticed that [XXX] was on the phone with the warranty people trying to determine if the items that I complained about were covered under the warranty. The woman on the phone informed him that they only covered a certain point of the cost. Now I have come to find out that this car has over $17,000 worth of work to be done. I would like to make a formal complaint about this dealership, its representative [XXX] and the mechanic that allegedly passed this vehicle for inspection. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you and supply you with all the necessary documentation concerning this matter. I have included a copy of the estimate from the Lexus dealership in Rockville, Maryland. It is my honest opinion that this car should've never been sold and have lied to me in the process and to throw the paperwork at me and tell me to take care of myself is unacceptable. They should be held accountable, fined, or shut down. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

NHTSA ID

11459676

Incident

Nov 19, 2021

The fuel delivery line is leaking, car will still run then quit however, interior and exterior smells like gas any slight spark could cause a fire. You can see fuel along the under carriage of the engine. I found Lexus has a recall for a leaking fuel delivery line, however I don't see my vehicle listed. Please investigate why my 2007 lexus rx400h did not get added to this recall list. Let me know if my vehicle could be added. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11450708

Incident

Feb 6, 2022

Dear all I bought this car in 2016. It was imported from USA to UAE now registered in Abu Dhabi. The car completely stalled while stopping at inclined position for about 10 minutes in front of a security barrier. READY lasts for less than 5 seconds and disappear. The car could not be started again for three month. Local dealer [XXX] Indicated they are not handling imported vehicles except from GCC region. A local repair company identified the problem by error code P0A78 but told the repair cost will be heavy. What could I do with my car which still under recall in USA for repair of the same INVERTER problem? Appreciating your help. Best regards [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11440002

Incident

Nov 1, 2021

Toyota and Lexus are aware of the fact that what is called break actuator assembly, part number 44050-48191 (for Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2006-2007, and new part number for Lexus RX400h 2006-2007) and 44510-48060 (old/original part number for RX400h 2006-2007) are faulty resulting in the break system failing creating an extremely dangerous situation. Toyota extended the warranty for the part, but this extended warranty does not cover all vehicles, as it is not a recall. (The extended warranty has a maximum 150K miles or 10years clause but this is beyond the point regardless.) The part and repair costs more then $3000 at a Toyota/Lexus dealer. Toyota/Lexus is not offering a recall to avoid paying for the large number of cars out there with this well known issue which essentially renders the cars not drivable, unless the owner pays out of pocket what is close to half the current value of the car, for a defective item that is failing consistently in all these cars. Toyota/Lexus should recall the part, rather than just offering an extended warranty. This is a very well known problem, for which people have complained (including in NHTSA) for years, which forced Toyota/Lexus extend the warranty, but this is not enough as it does not cover all vehicles that it should cover.

NHTSA ID

11439802

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

2007 lexus rx400h,,,couple week ago ,,,my sister drive this car on the highway,,,suddenly the check engine, ABS, traction control, VSE, ect light come on and the vehicle when brake will pull to right also brake grab immediately. Bring to the tech and get a code C1391 abnormal leak in accumulator,,,that mean replace the whole ABS unit assembly Bring to Lexus dealer on 9-30-2021 and still get the same code C1391 and pay $175.93 for diagnostic and cost repair $3,573 (This condition may be caused by a small internal brake fluid leak inside the brake actuator) Call lexus head quarter and turn out this is only basic warranty,,,,,no recall for safety,,,, because no one dead yet Research online turn out a lot of problem about this: (2006 - 2007 GS 430) (2007 - 2011 GS450H) (2008-2011 GS 460) (2006-2008 RX400H) (2007-2013 LS460) This only Lexus,,,,more about Toyota But LEXUS still ignore about this safy

NHTSA ID

11435552

Incident

Sep 20, 2021

Water gets into the body of the vehicle over time. Came outside one day after rain and my passenger carpet was SOAKED all my windows were up and my complex don’t get flooded. Car smells like mildew in cabin! Middle of July I came outside and all the lights were on the dash, no rain the previous day or during, and car wouldn’t start. Took it to the dealership and they can’t explain how water got into my car but magically the sunroof drain was clogged with water.

NHTSA ID

11427479

Incident

Jul 21, 2021

Brake actuator failure reported by dealer because booster pump is running frequently. No info from Toyota and Toyota declined repair . Dealer indicates my vehicle is not under extended warranty. 117000 miles on my car.

NHTSA ID

11421754

Incident

Jun 4, 2021

Brake actuator failed at 117000 miles. Verified by dealer and suggest replace brake actuator and pump assembly. No notification ever

NHTSA ID

11421580

Incident

Jun 4, 2021

CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A CLICKING NOISE DURING STOPS FOR A YEAR. I CHALKED IT UP TO SOMETHING UNIMPORTANT. ON 2/20/21, THE 'CHECK AVS,' 'CHECK ABS,' AND 'CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM' LIGHTS ALL CAME ON, AND CAR LURCHED WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER AT THE TIME. BROUGHT LEXUS TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC ON 2/22/21. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS, MECHANIC RETURNED THE CAR TO ME, SAYING HE COULD HEAR THE CLICKING AND, ACCORDING TO HIS RESEARCH, IT COULD BE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR GIVEN LEXUS HAD DONE A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THIS PART IN 2016. HE TOLD ME THIS REPAIR WOULD COST IN THE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, AND ADVISED ME TO CONTACT LEXUS. SPOKE WITH LEXUS BRAND MANAGER ON 2/25 WHO TOLD ME ABOUT WARRANTY EXTENSION ZLG FOR ACTUATORS IN 2016, AND TOLD ME THAT IN ORDER FOR LEXUS TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT THE CAR WAS EXPERIENCING AN ACTUATOR FAILURE, IT MUST BE INSPECTED BY A LEXUS SERVICE CENTER. BECAUSE I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE SPECIFIC EXTENSION AND ASKED TO TAKE IT TO LEXUS TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, I ASSUMED LEXUS WOULD COVER THE REPAIR COST. I TOOK THE CAR TO LEXUS SANTA MONICA ON 3/2/21 AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE BRAKE ACTUATOR, AND THAT THE COST TO REPAIR WOULD BE $3000 PLUS TAX. I RELAYED TO LEXUS SM WHAT I WAS TOLD BY LEXUS CORPORATE, AND LEXUS SM TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL LEXUS CORPORATE AND SEE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT WARRANTY EXTENSION 'ZLG.' ULTIMATELY, LEXUS WOULD NOT COVER COST BECAUSE THE PART WAS OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I SPOKE WITH ANOTHER LEXUS CASE MANAGER ABOUT WHY A WARRANTY EXTENSION WAS OFFERED AS OPPOSED TO A RECALL, AND HE SAID I SHOULD LODGE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. I ALSO SPOKE WITH HIS SUPERVISOR, WHO SAID LEXUS WOULD NEVER PAY FOR A PART OUTSIDE A WARRANTY, EVEN A FAULTY PART GIVEN AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. NOBODY IN THE LEXUS CHAIN OF COMMAND CAN TELL ME IF THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I WILL SUPPORT CLASS ACTION SUIT.

NHTSA ID

11399164

Incident

Feb 20, 2021

Mileage

94,853 mi

BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILURE HAS BEEN ADDED TO A BULLETIN FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY AND NOT A RECALL. THIS IS A COSTLY MALFUNCTION THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF AND THEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF ALL VEHICLES AS NOT TO COMPROMISE BRAKING AND ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE.

NHTSA ID

11384314

Incident

Nov 14, 2020

Mileage

204,800 mi

"CHECK VSC" SYSTEM WITH ACCOMPANYING CONTINUOUS BEEP NOISE, BRAKES BECOME HARD TO PUSH/ACTIVATE. THIS STARTED A FEW WEEKS AGO, AND WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY, AND PROGRESSIVELY LONGER IN THE DYSFUNCTIONAL BRAKES PHASE. I HAD AN EMPLOYEE AT AUTO ZONE CLEAR THE CODE 2 DAYS AGO, BUT THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN, INTERMITTENTLY UPON VEHICLE START, BUT WOULD GO AWAY SHORTLY, WITH NORMALLY RESPONSIVE BRAKES. THIS INTERMITTENT ISSUE OCCURS WHEN I AM DRIVING, THEREFORE THIS IS A SERIOUS ROAD HAZARD AS MY BRAKES BECOME SIGNIFICANTLY LESS RESPONSIVE WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. IN OTHER WORDS, THIS OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY AND WHEN DRIVING, INTERMITTENTLY.

NHTSA ID

11362458

Incident

Oct 2, 2020

Mileage

169,000 mi

I PURCHASED A USED 2007 LEXUS RX350 FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. IT HAD A LITTLE OVER 100K MILES. EVERYTHING WORKED PERFECTLY, NO COMPLAINTS WHATSOEVER. UNTIL, MY SON BORROWED IT, AND WHILE HE WAS DRIVING IT, HE SAID IT QUIT. HE LOST ALL POWER STEERING, SO HE PULLED OVER. WE CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO TOW IT TO A MECHANIC. WHEN THE MECHANIC CALLED ME, HE SAID THE OIL COOLING LINE BUSTED, WHICH MADE THE OIL PUMP EMPTY THE ENGINE'S OIL. HE SAID IT WOULD NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. HE SAID THE CAR IS WORTH NOTHING. I PAID $9K FOR THIS CAR A YEAR AGO, AND NOW IT IS NOT WORTH $100. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA/LEXUS, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. TO ME - THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. IN MY OPINION, SINCE TOYOTA KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT DIDN'T RECALL IT, THEY EITHER NEED TO COVER THE COST OF A NEW ENGINE, OR BUY THE CAR BACK FROM ME. I AM VERY UPSET OVER THIS.

NHTSA ID

11360610

Incident

Sep 22, 2020

Mileage

125,000 mi

THE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON ABS SYSTEM CAME ON STABILIZER AIR BAG TOOK TO LEXUS THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR I RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT ON LEXUS CLUB THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH MY YEAR AND OTHER YEARS THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THIS BY GIVING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. BUT FALL SHORT TO ASSIST WITH AFTER. THERE IS MANY COMPLAINTS I RESEARCHED THERE IS ALSO A NOISE THAT IS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM THE NOISE COMES FROM THE ACTUATOR, BUT BEING UNFAMILIAR WITH THE CAR NORMAL FEATURES I FAILED TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM I HAVE HEARD THIS NOISE FOR A VERY LONG TIME I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THIS PULSE BUT THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL I OWNED THIS VEHICLE NOW FOR 5 YEARS. I THOUGHT THE NOISE WAS THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM LOWING THE VEHICLE AIR DOWN LIKE MY NAVIGATOR DID BUT THAT WAS THE NOISE OF THE ACTUATOR GOING OUT. THE BRAKES ALWAYS FELT LIKE THEY HAD A DELAY OR HIT HARD LIKE A JERK JUST THOUGHT THIS WAS CAUSED BY SENSITIVITY. IT UPSETS ME THAT LEXUS IS AND HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND NEVER INFORMED ME AND THE PROBLEM JUST GOT WORSE THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS SO VITAL WHY WOULD THEY NOT AFTER THEY REALIZED THIS IS A PROBLEM I HAD THE WARRANTY PROVIDER WHOM EXTENDED THIS WARRANTY ON THIS PART BUT NEITHER INFORMED ME EVEN THOUGH BOTH HAD MY CURRENT INFORMATION. ITS A PROBLEM THAT LEXUS AND ITS MOTHER TOYOTA KNOW OF AND FAILED TO MAKE THE PROBLEM RIGHT. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM AND THEY RECOGNIZE IT WHY NOT MAKE IT RIGHT! IS MY SAFETY NOT IMPORTANT TO LEXUS AND TOYOTA? #TOYOTA # LEXUS #ACTULATOR #SAFETY

NHTSA ID

11342741

Incident

Jul 6, 2020